San Antonio Spurs rookie Tiago Splitter has been dealing with a strained calf injury which has prevented him from playing a single preseason game. Looks like he will continue to be out for the season opener against the Indiana Pacers.

“I’m not planning on Tiago for the opening night,” Popovich said, “If he’s going to be ready, he’ll have to change my mind.”

As I have stated before, Splitter has had a long offseason playing in the Spanish Finals, the 2010 World Championships and has dealt with a list of injuries leading up to him joining the Spurs.

Perhaps it’s best he rest up now, delay his NBA debut and miss the opening days of the season than him sitting out games towards the end of the season when playoff positioning is at stake for the Spurs.